Olivers v. The Spread Eagle. Round One...
I read with great misery this morning that mavarick bar owner Olivier has started having trouble from his big bully of a neighbour already.
Since Greenwich Inc. obliterated Spread Eagle Antiques to extend the Spread Eagle restaurant, part of the eaterie now sits directly over Olivers.
Olivers is one of the few remaining bars in Greenwich which still encourages live music - since Greenwich Inc started its mighty invasion music in any of their venues has virtually ground to a standstill. It would seem that they are intent on stopping music everywhere else too.
After a complaint about the noise from Olivers filtering through to the restauarant (which after all chose to extend - Greenwich Inc. KNEW that Olivers was there - as the incomers THEY could have put sound insulation in - but no...) Olivier has been told to install sound proofing.
This reminds me of a similar incident with the Bulls Head in Barnes - a long-running and famous jazz club which was nearly bankrupted when a new-build flat owner complained about the noise, forced the Bulls Head to install soundproofing (which it did only through the generosity of musicians who clubbed together and did benefits to raise the cash) - and then promptly moved house.
Am I being really cynical to put two and two together here? A small place like Olivers is going to struggle financially to install soundproofing - I wonder whether Greenwich Inc. will kindly offer to take the matter off his hands and buy him out, losing yet another quirky one-off in the town centre?
If anyone hears of any fundraising efforts to help Olivier, do let me know. This is one battle I truly hope he wins.
Since Greenwich Inc. obliterated Spread Eagle Antiques to extend the Spread Eagle restaurant, part of the eaterie now sits directly over Olivers.
Olivers is one of the few remaining bars in Greenwich which still encourages live music - since Greenwich Inc started its mighty invasion music in any of their venues has virtually ground to a standstill. It would seem that they are intent on stopping music everywhere else too.
After a complaint about the noise from Olivers filtering through to the restauarant (which after all chose to extend - Greenwich Inc. KNEW that Olivers was there - as the incomers THEY could have put sound insulation in - but no...) Olivier has been told to install sound proofing.
This reminds me of a similar incident with the Bulls Head in Barnes - a long-running and famous jazz club which was nearly bankrupted when a new-build flat owner complained about the noise, forced the Bulls Head to install soundproofing (which it did only through the generosity of musicians who clubbed together and did benefits to raise the cash) - and then promptly moved house.
Am I being really cynical to put two and two together here? A small place like Olivers is going to struggle financially to install soundproofing - I wonder whether Greenwich Inc. will kindly offer to take the matter off his hands and buy him out, losing yet another quirky one-off in the town centre?
If anyone hears of any fundraising efforts to help Olivier, do let me know. This is one battle I truly hope he wins.
Labels: News
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
09:21
16 Comments:
I've never been to Olivers, but I did once meet Olivier. I was rushing off with my family to enjoy pizza and beers in the park and realised I didn't have a bottle opener. I saw two guys hanging out at the side of the road smoking and thought one of them might have an opener on his key chain. I asked, and the man who turned out to be Olivier ran inside his bar and opened the bottles for me.
This was so above and beyond, I was floored. I hadn't bought the beers from him. He really didn't need to be so kind. Almost makes me want to brave the smoke and go in and hang out. Almost. Surely they'll survive til the July smoking ban...
That's a real shame.
Try asking Frank Inc for a bottle opener and somehow I doubt you'd get the same response.
There should be a law against local monopolies like Inc's. It makes me MAD! Hopefully one day he'll trip up.
I'm touched to hear about Olivier's kindness - it's those little things that make character in a community - not surface glitz.
Don't forget to let me know if you hear of any more news on this - and naturally I'll do the same...
I hope that we don't lose Oliver's. Whilst I've only visited it a couple of times in the last few years, it has always been a good and welcoming place. I remember the first time I ever went in, there were only about four of us at the bar, so Olivier got out some cheese and started to feed us all. It was really good stuff too!
Don't Greenwich Inc own enough of Greenwich yet? Can't they leave the odd place alone?
I guess Olivers is a thorn in their side - they'd own the whole of Spread Eagle yard if they could get hold of that bit. It may also remind them that there are some people around with a spot of genuine soul - and that can't be comforting...
I've known Olivier for about 12 years and have been playing in his bar since he opened it in 2003. I could not agree more with your comments about this whole situation. Greenwich Inc is a nightmare for anyone who cares about the quirky and unique nature of Greenwich. With Mike Hardee and Dick Moy gone Olivier is one of the few true Greenwich eccentrics who is left and he deserves our support in any way possible.
Iain - do you know how Olivier is dealing with this?
Olivier deserves our full support and he certainly has mine. Olivers is a great place to go - a big mention should be given to his support of live music in Greenwich which has otherwise almost disappeared. We need more places like this, not less.
Couldn't agree more. Welcome to the board Kiera - let me know about any news, won't you!
Olivier is dealing with this by having soundproofing installed on 11-12 March. One of the bands who plays at his bar has members who are in the soundproofing business so he's got a good deal and from what he's explained to me they are going to be able to do a good job. Not that it will stop his nibs upstairs complaining again at some point no doubt. Sadly I don't think this will be the end of it.
I am so glad he's been able to afford it. I feared another Bull's Head at Barnes fiasco.
I agree though. I don't think that Greenwich Inc will like that one iota. I suspect they too had expected Olivier not to be able to afford it and were hoping to take it over. So Round One is to Olivier. Let's see what Round Two has in store...
Oliver's is a one-of-a-kind place. So friendly and welcoming that after a couple of visits, I was tempted to turn up in me slippers. It made me seeth when I heard about the bully-boy tactics being employed by those upstairs. You can try all avenues of legal recourse, Greenwich Inc, you can lose your temper, even resort to threats of physical violence, but you ain't gonna win this one. Concede now with one tenth of the grace, charm and civility that Olivier has shown in his dealings with you, and you'll walk away a better man.
Viva Olivers! On top of Greenwich INC homogenization we now have Nelson Bakewell to contend with,take a peek at their website if you want to see the way things will go.
How very depressing.
Ironic, given the amount of noise that some of Greenwich Inc's other venues generate in the neighbourhood.
Good to hear that Oliver's have managed the soundproofing.
I never miss Oliver's on my trips to England and stayed next door most times. Olivier is a gentleman and was always protective of this rather naive single American. I love the funkiness yet appreciate the level of music he gathers continually. Pure Greenwich. Must stay! janet
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